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2026 EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVES ON TOP RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES

UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITY

Dive into the results of the 2026 Global Top Risks and Opportunities Report

8 min read

Notwithstanding several years of uncertainty and shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics, the results of our exclusive survey of over 1,500 board members and C-suite leaders indicate that business leaders are ready to act and are embracing innovation, strategic partnerships, and long-term planning to drive transformation and realize growth opportunities.

The key findings in this report enable board members and senior executives to benchmark their organization’s opportunities and risks against global peers. The biggest risk organizations face today is doing nothing.

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Key findings

This year’s survey reveals what’s powering the next wave of growth: bold bets on increasing revenue, relentless focus on cybersecurity, and a surge in AI integration. Curious how top executives are rewriting the playbook? Here are a few areas where the world’s top leaders are doubling down.

Appendix – Executive data Appendix – Industry data

69 %

See significant opportunities for revenue growth in the next 2 to 3 years

43 %

Rank cybersecurity as their leading investment area

31 %

Agree integrating AI with existing tech / process / workforce is a top priority

Understanding the key themes from this report gives you a direct view into the priorities and concerns shaping executive decision-making today. These insights highlight where opportunities and risks intersect, helping you benchmark your strategy and stay ahead in a changing environment.

Growth and opportunity

Confidence in growth is fueling bold moves and strategic investments

Nearly seven in 10 board members and executives (69%) agree that, considering current conditions, there are significant opportunities to increase revenues over the next two to three years. This suggests that many organizations are maintaining a forward-looking posture, identifying ways to innovate, expand offerings or capture market share even in uncertain environments.

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AI and technology transformation

AI is both a transformative growth driver and a complex challenge

AI is a long-term strategic priority, with 31% of leaders focused on integrating it into current technologies and business processes. AI ranks sixth among near-term global risks, while concerns about IT infrastructure performance have risen to the fourth-rated risk this year versus 13th last year. Thus, while AI is seen as a transformative growth enabler, IT infrastructure readiness presents a major barrier to its effective deployment and realizing its full benefits.

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Cybersecurity and resilience

Cybersecurity is the top global risk and investment priority

Not only are cyber threats ranked as the top global near-term risk, but third-party risks (which are linked to cyber concerns) rank second. Cybersecurity also stands out as the top investment priority for organizations to address near-term risk issues. Interestingly, there are geographical distinctions in rating these risks.

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Talent and workforce evolution

Talent challenges are evolving but not disappearing

Talent challenges remain at the forefront, with workforce upskilling and availability of skilled labor critical to navigating AI-driven change and sustaining long-term competitiveness. Organizations that prioritize strategic workforce development, align people with digital strategy, and invest in future leadership and skills will be best positioned to thrive amid ongoing disruption.

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Navigating economic and regulatory shifts

Economy concerns and trade-related challenges are a top 10 near-term risk

Trade related challenges broke into the top 10 list as the 10th-rated risk for this year, while uncertainties linked to interest rates and inflation continue to create reason for pause among respondents again this year. By prioritizing strategic partnerships, enhancing compliance frameworks, and investing in workforce capabilities, companies can better position themselves to thrive.

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Long-term strategic focus

Customer experience, cyber, and AI are top long-term strategic focus areas

Organizations are prioritizing customer and competition dynamics, security and privacy, and AI deployments in their long-term strategies, indicating a shift toward integrated decision-making that encompasses both immediate and future opportunities and risks.

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10-year retrospective

This chart captures a decade of shifting executive priorities, drawing on 10 years of survey data (categorized under 7 broad themes) to reveal how perceptions of top risks have evolved in response to our changing world. By visualizing these trends, we highlight not just what has challenged organizations in the past, but how quickly risk landscapes can transform and how it is often in unexpected ways.

For today’s leaders, understanding these long-term patterns is essential. Ongoing monitoring enables executives to anticipate emerging threats, adapt strategies proactively, and ensure their organizations remain resilient and competitive.

Click on each theme to see its individual path as a top risk over the last 10 years. Select multiple risk themes to compare the different trends.

FAQs

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How can we effectively integrate AI into our existing business processes without disrupting operations?

Successful integration of AI requires a clear roadmap that includes pilot testing, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with business objectives. Protiviti’s 2026 report highlights, 31% of executives ranked “Integrating AI with our existing technologies, business processes, or workforce” as one of their top three AI-related risk concerns—making it the joint highest priority alongside data/cyber risks. The report also found that cross-functional collaboration and governance structures are critical, as poor integration is seen as a primary threat to realizing AI’s value. Advisory firms can facilitate workshops to ensure smooth transitions and minimize operational disruptions during AI deployment.

What metrics should we use to evaluate the ROI of our AI investments effectively?

Protiviti’s global top risks and opportunities report stresses the importance of linking AI initiatives to tangible business outcomes. Notably, 22% of executives identified “significant AI investments with uncertain returns” among their top three concerns, highlighting the need for robust ROI measurements. Suggested metrics include increased operational efficiency, cost savings, improved customer satisfaction scores, and revenue growth linked to AI-driven products. By directly tying AI investments to these outcomes—and continuously monitoring and adjusting strategies—organizations can maximize value and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders.

In what ways can we mitigate risks associated with third-party vendors when deploying AI solutions?

Protiviti’s 2026 report highlights the risks of third-party dependencies, particularly concerning data security and compliance. Mitigation strategies include conducting thorough due diligence, establishing clear contractual obligations regarding data protection, and implementing continuous monitoring processes. Advisory firms can assist in developing a robust vendor management program to minimize exposure to third-party risks.

What strategies should we adopt to effectively manage talent shortages in our industry?

Talent challenges were cited as a critical long-term risk by 32% of respondents in Protiviti’s global 2026 top risks and opportunities report, reflecting the ongoing need for workforce evolution. Organizations should invest in upskilling current employees, enhancing recruitment strategies, and fostering a strong organizational culture that attracts top talent. Advisory firms can assist in developing tailored talent management strategies.

What investment priorities should we focus on to drive growth in the current economic climate?

According to the 2026 Top Risks and Opportunities Survey, 43% of executives selected cybersecurity as a top strategic investment priority, followed by business process improvements (35%) and infrastructure modernization (33%). These investments are essential for balancing growth and resilience.

How do we balance operational efficiency with the need for innovation?

Protiviti’s Top Risks & Opportunities report highlights that 62% of executives view ecosystem development as a key opportunity for growth, emphasizing collaboration and co-innovation. Organizations should foster a culture of continuous improvement while exploring new technologies and processes. Advisory firms can provide frameworks for balancing these priorities effectively, ensuring long-term sustainability.

What should we consider when evaluating partnerships and alliances for strategic growth?

Protiviti’s 2026 report notes that strategic partnerships are crucial for success in today’s complex environment. 69% of respondents agreed completely or somewhat that revenue growth opportunities exist despite economic headwinds. When evaluating potential partnerships, consider alignment with your organization's goals, cultural fit, and the potential for co-innovation.